Let us first start with a couple of caveats. I know the beauty industry has a very skewed view of age and ageing. I know it tries to flog anti-ageing products to girls and self-loathing to women. But I also know that older skin needs a very different kind of looking-after than younger skin. This is not anti-ageing propaganda - it's fact. When I offer advice for older skin, I am not saying there is anything wrong with age, ageing or wrinkles. I am not even telling you how to avoid them. I am simply offering advice.

First the good news. Black skin tends to age more slowly than white - not better, not worse, just more slowly - due to the higher percentage of oil, which at least makes me feel better about my constant battle with The Shine. "Women age well when they don't mess around too much with their face," says Liz Earle, 41, founder of the Naturally Active skincare range. "Use plant oils to put moisture back into parched, mature skin, as these natural nourishers are the closest match to skin's own sebum, production of which diminishes with age.

"A diet rich in skin-enhancing nutrients is vitally important," adds Earle. "Essential fatty acids found in nuts, seeds, vegetable oils and fish oils will help to strengthen the fragile membranes that surround our skin cells and make them better able to ward off free-radical attack."

Noella Gabriel, the founder of Elemis, has a similar message: "There is a lot you can achieve by adjusting your lifestyle, which in turn will have a dynamic impact on your skin type and condition. Stop impulse buying and ensure that every time you make an adjustment to your skincare routine, it is directed by a qualified beauty therapist who knows exactly what your skin needs."

Gabriel describes herself as "maturing gracefully". Following her advice, plus regular facials with a healthy dose of good facial massage thrown in, is "almost as good as taking your face to the gym", she says.